Amitabh Bachchan announced the nominations

The final winners will be voted for by fans of Indian cinema across the world.

The nominations were announced by Bollywood's biggest star, Amitabh Bachchan, himself in line for an award.

Leading actor nominee Sanjay Dutt is currently facing sentencing for his part in the Mumbai (Bombay) bombings in 1993 which killed 257 people.

The controversial figure, who has won praise for his role in Lage Raho Munnabhai, was convicted of possessing arms and ammunition.

Sanjay Dutt is facing jail

Rai, Bollywood's highest paid actress, has been nominated for the film Dhoom 2, which is also up for best picture.

Her real-life fiance, Abhishek Bachchan, has also picked up a nomination for best supporting actor in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, alongside his father Amitabh for the same film.

Shah Rukh Khan, who was recently in the UK for the unveiling of his Madame Tussauds waxwork, has been nominated for his leading role in Don.

Other films competing for best film include Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Krrish and Vivaah.

The awards will be handed out at Sheffield's Hallam FM Arena on 9 June. Online voting for the awards is open until the end of May.